bradleypallister
Are Trickle Vents Now Compulsory?
Last Updated: 16 September 2025No, trickle vents specifically are not compulsory. While updated regulations require adequate ventilation in homes, there are various methods to achieve compliance, and trickle vents are just one option among many. Understanding Ventilation Regulations in the UK Overview of Ventilation Requirements The recent updates to ventilation regulations in England and Wales have raised questions about the necessity...
Is a Hallway a Habitable Room for Building Regs Part F?
Last Updated: 22 August 2025In the context of the UK’s Building Regulations Part F, a hallway is not considered a habitable room. According to the regulations, habitable rooms are defined as rooms used for dwelling purposes, excluding kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, and hallways. Understanding Habitable Rooms Definition of Habitable Rooms In the UK, the term “habitable room” specifically refers to spaces designed for living...
What is the risk of PIV systems forcing moisture into the building fabric?
Last Updated: 22 August 2025Introduction Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) systems represent a common approach to improving indoor air quality and combating condensation within residential buildings across the UK. These systems function by introducing a continuous flow of fresh, filtered air into a dwelling, typically sourced from the loft space, which is then distributed throughout the property. The intended outcome is the creation of a...
I am having new windows installed. Can I refuse trickle vents?
Last Updated: 2 December 2025Yes, you can, but you will need to tangibly demonstrate that an alternative means of ventilation is in place which complies with Part F requirements. Trickle vents are only one of several compliance pathways for ensuring adequate ventilation in your property under UK building regulations. Understanding Ventilation and UK Building Regulations Ventilation is absolutely fundamental...
Do trickle vents let insects in?
Last Updated: 16 September 2025Trickle vents are designed to allow a continuous flow of fresh air into a property, and while they feature narrow openings, they can’t always stop insects, bugs, and flies entering the house. The size of the opening, typically a few millimetres, means smaller insects might still find their way through, particularly if there isn’t a...
What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
Last Updated: 22 August 2025An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legally required document that assesses the energy efficiency of a property in the UK. It provides a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) based on factors such as insulation, heating systems, and renewable energy sources. The EPC also includes recommendations for improving the property’s energy...
What is the Energy Efficiency Rating (EER)?
Last Updated: 22 August 2025The Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) is a standardized classification system designed to help consumers and professionals assess the energy performance of products, buildings, or systems. It provides a clear, comparative measure of energy consumption, enabling informed decisions that promote energy savings and environmental sustainability. In the UK, this rating is widely used in the residential...
What is Awaab’s Law?
Last Updated: 9 September 2025Awaab’s Law (stemming from the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023) introduces enforceable time limits for social landlords in England to investigate and remedy dangerous damp and mould (first phase) and, over later phases, a wider set of housing health and safety hazards. From 27 October 2025 (phase 1) landlords must rapidly triage reported issues, investigate...
What is the Energy Company Obligation Scheme (ECO)?
Last Updated: 22 August 2025The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a UK government scheme designed to reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty by obligating large energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements in eligible households. The scheme focuses on low-income, vulnerable, and fuel-poor households, providing measures such as insulation, boiler upgrades, and renewable heating systems. ECO operates under...
What is an Energy Audit?
Last Updated: 22 August 2025An energy audit is a systematic evaluation of a residential property’s energy consumption and efficiency. It involves analysing how energy is used, identifying areas of energy loss, and recommending measures to improve energy performance. The process typically includes an inspection of the building envelope, heating and cooling systems, insulation, lighting, and appliances. Energy audits are...